LSU football: Injury report ahead of Week 4 game vs. New Mexico

One of the biggest talking points around LSU football thus far has been the health of the team. Aside from a couple of minor injuries and Maason Smith’s torn ACL, the Tigers have remained healthy through three games. Credit goes out to Brian Kelly and his incredible training staff as this level of health has not been achieved in Baton Rouge in years.

Injuries are inevitable in a game as physical as football though. As LSU prepares to host New Mexico in the fourth game of the season, there are questions about which players will slot into the starting offense and defense. After all, the Tigers have rotated—for one reason or another—a few times early in the season. Here is the full status report for the Bayou Bengals ahead of kickoff against the Lobos on Saturday:

LSU football: Injury report ahead of the Week 4 game vs. New Mexico

The most notable exclusion on Saturday will be that of star wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. Boutte was left out of the starting rotation that Kelly named on Thursday. Fret not, LSU fans. Boutte will be away from the team this weekend following the birth of his first child. He is not injured and the new father is expected to return to the team ahead of the Auburn game.

Congratulations go out to Boutte and his partner!

Sticking with the offense, the Tigers’ line will remain unchanged for the first time all season. The same five players who lined up in front of Jayden Daniels (LT Will Campbell, LG Garrett Dellinger, C Charles Turner, RG Miles Frazier and RT Emery Jones Jr.) will take the field again on Saturday.

Anthony Bradford has returned from injury and he is ready to suit up. Bradford is expected to rotate in occasionally alongside Cameron Wire and Tre’Mond Shorts.

John Emery Jr. and Armoni Goodwin are expected to share a majority of the carries in the backfield. There hasn’t been an injury update regarding Penn State transfer Noah Cain, who was left out of the offensive game plan for the entirety of the Mississippi State game. It’s a situation to keep an eye on, especially with Mike Denbrock’s offense expected to rotate heavily against the Lobos.

Defensive back Joe Foucha remains out due to suspension but he’ll make his season debut against Auburn next weekend. Sevyn Banks is now considered fully healthy by Kelly and his staff. Expect to see the Ohio State transfer get some reps throughout the contest against New Mexico as he searches for his first action with his new program.

BJ Ojulari looked fantastic in his return from injury last weekend against the Bulldogs. LSU’s defensive star didn’t see his workload limited against Mississippi State, so expect him to be given the green light on Saturday. Luckily, whatever injury was bothering the reigning SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week looks to be behind him now.

Overall, the Tigers’ goal on Saturday will be similar to that against Southern. Implement a game plan, improve in key areas, build a big lead and then rotate to preserve players’ health. Hopefully, LSU can be as successful this weekend as they were a couple of weeks ago.